The AASL is the only national organization for professional school librarians. Membership benefits include access to professional development, the member forum, and the online journal Knowledge Quest. Becoming a member and following them on Twitter, Facebook, and their blog offers access to resources ranging from the merits of generefication to reviews of digital learning tools. Staying current on posts from the AASL will help me stay abreast of school library news and trends.

With more than 4,000 members the ALSC is the world’s largest organization devoted to youth services in the library. It is composed of more than 60 committees including those that award the ALA’s most prestigious awards. Initiatives include literacy for all and every day advocacy. Special projects include Babies Need Words and Curiosity Creates. Following their work through social media and on their blog offers access to extensive reading and award lists as well as continuing education.

VAASL is the Virginia affiliate of AASL. It encompasses local affiliates such as the Associated School Librarians of Fairfax County (ASLFC) my home county which makes it a vital networking tool and source of mentors for me. VAASL is dedicated to providing excellence in Virginia school libraries, promoting life-long learning, and ensuring school libraries are fully staffed. VAASL also annually awards two Virginia Readers Choice Awards as well as the Illuminate and Enlighten Awards.

The VLA provides information on intellectual freedom, professional development, offers volunteer and networking opportunities, and scholarships. They also host local conferences and events. Their website posts extensive job openings across the state. Through membership and following them on social media I have learned that there is a wealth of information and experiences to take advantage of as I move through the MLIS program and begin to look for a library to call home.

Librarian and educational technologist Kathy Schrock’s website is a treasure trove of information gathered over 40+ years of professional experience. From assessment strategies to Ziggi-HD document cameras she offers tips, tricks, and tutorials. There are also substantial product reviews with comprehensive photos. I research her guide, follow her blog, and social media channels to learn about tech tools for the library. They are my go-to guide for, well, everything tech!

Renovated Learning librarian Diana Rendina draws from her personal experiences to document how to build a Makerspace from scratch. Blog entries and social media posts share how to secure grants, rethink classroom organization, and helpful tech and teaching tutorials. Her information is insightful and creative and required reading for anyone (like me) who is interested in creating or updating a Makerspace.

TedEd is a free online resource that offers high quality video-based lessons, blog entries, and curated interactive experiences for students, teachers, and parents. Educators can use the Create tab to build individualized lessons around the videos. The website also features a blog with educational resources on a wide range of topics. I follow their blog and social media posts to stay abreast of educational trends and collect ideas for future lesson plans.

Mackin is the approved vendor for Fairfax County Public Schools. Making it an essential tool for librarians in my county. They offer curated lists for purchasing and weeding. While I don’t yet have access to their database and tools the Mackin Community website and Twitter feed offer resources on topics such as digital content, library issues, and Makerspace development. I turn to the blog for book reviews, author profiles, and to familiarize myself with Mackin.

The School Library Journal is a cornerstone in any school librarian’s resource list. It features book lists and reviews, podcasts, author/illustrator interviews, and informative stories on book production. The SLJ also offers in-depth pieces on censorship, diversity, and social justice. I utilize the resources on their website, blog, and social media sites to research topics, familiarize myself with new titles, explore book reviews, and read library news.

The CCBC is a non-circulating research library based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting excellence in children’s literature. They place special emphasis on diversity through curated online material, current statistics, and booklists. The CCBC also has a searchable booklist that allows you to search for characters by race or ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation making it an important tool for librarians intent on building a diverse collection.